SUNY Plattsburgh will once again participate in the New York State Office for the
Prevention of Domestic Violence’s “Shine a Light on Domestic Violence” initiative
Oct. 19-23.

Purple lights will illuminate Hawkins Hall throughout the week as part of the SUNY-wide
effort to increase awareness about the dangers and prevalence of domestic violence.
The SUNY Plaza in Albany will also be lighted with purple lights as directed by Chancellor
Nancy Zimpher.

“It is our hope that by illuminating SUNY Plaza in the color purple this month that
it can serve as a beacon for the city and increase our public awareness about the
dangers of domestic violence and remind victims that support is available,” Zimpher
said.

The week-long initiative will be sponsored this year by the SUNY Plattsburgh Title
IX Office.

“The Title IX office in collaboration with other campus officials and offices works
to ensure gender equity on SUNY Plattsburgh campus,” said Butterfly Blaise, Title
IX coordinator at the college. “This expands to issues of sexual harassment such as
domestic violence, dating violence, stalking, and sexual assault.”

In addition, the state has designated Wednesday, Oct. 21, as “Turn the State Purple”
day, which encourages all New Yorkers to wear purple that day. SUNY Plattsburgh will
participate, encouraging students, faculty and staff to don purple as well.

If you have been the victim of sexual violence, dating/partner violence, stalking
and/or hate crimes on campus, there are resources for you on campus and in the community,
Blaise said. On- and off-campus resources available include:

University Police: 518-564-2022

Student Health and Counseling Center: 518-564-3086

Health Educator and Advocate Rhema Lewis: 518-564-4830

The University at Vermont Health Network — CVPH: 518-561-2000

Crime Victim Specialist and Advocate Molly Nichols: 518-897-2090

Stop Domestic Violence: 518-563-6904

Stop Domestic Violence Hotline: 888-563-6904

Sexual Assault Services 24-hour Hotline: 877-212-2323

Help is also available 24 hours a day, seven days a week through the state Domestic
and Sexual Abuse Hotline, 800-942-6906, where trained counselors respond to a variety
of needs, including: crisis intervention; supportive counseling; information and referral
services; and technical support to providers.

“SUNY Plattsburgh is committed to increasing awareness, outreach, education, and remedies
to violence on our campus and in our community,” Blaise said.

For more information about SUNY-wide participation in the “Shine a Light on Domestic
Violence” campaign, contact Casey Vattimo at [email protected] or 518-320-1311. For more information about SUNY Plattsburgh’s participation, contact
Blaise at 518-564-3281.